The Smart RVer: DIY RV Maintenance and Repair

In Episode 105 Eric Stark dives into ways to make a living while traveling and gives some great tips about RV Slide Out Maintenance. He also visits Pismo Beach nestled along the Pacific Coast in California. 

RVing is a great way to travel and see the country, Traveling the country while working can be an awesome way to see the country as well. Traveling Nurses are the example to follow, although if you can apply what they do to your job and life you might be able to travel the U.S. Some will start a new career that revolves around RVing or an Internet-based business that affords them the time on the road.

Staying On The Road:

The RV Slide Room should be on your list of items to maintain. It is critical to a great weekend getaway or a longer RV Vacation. Eric reminds the Smart RVers to keep the mechanics lubricated and the Slide out Seals coated with a slide-out seal treatment. The slide room is easy to neglect until something fails and then it is all hands on deck to repair. Stay on top of the maintenance of not only the slide-out room bau also the RV Windows.

Pismo Beach, CA is a beautiful town to visit in an RV. It is a great place to take the family and enjoy the sand dunes and the great Pacific Ocean. The weather is great most of the year and there is no shortage of activities to keep the family busy. There are great places to eat, everything the beach has to offer, sand dunes, ATVing, RV parks next to the ocean and so much more. It is also a great place to use as a hub to plan some day trips or visit other nearby places.

Eric explains (Again - He felt he didn’t do it justice in the last episode) what a great product the Thin Shade is from Lippert Components. It will work on most Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels if you have 16” x 25” plastic window frames.

 

 

 

 

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RV Slide Out Awning Fabrics - Use Promo Code “TheSmartRver” and SAVE 10%

Mopeka LP Tank Wireless Level Gauge Use Promo Code “Mopeka10” and Save 10%

Micro Air Soft Start - Run an RV Roof Top AC with one 2000 watt Generator

In Episode 104 Eric Stark Gives a shout Out to all of the DIY’s for the hard work they do. 

He also promotes the “Come to Montana in July” promotion. This is a great opportunity to come by the store in Victor and meet all of us and see what we do. And while you are in Montana you can explore the awesome places there are to visit in your RV.

RVing is a great way to travel and see the country. It's also a great way to take your hobbies on the road with you. Whether you enjoy fishing, biking, hiking, or just exploring new places, RVing can provide the perfect opportunity to do the things you love. And, because RVing is so convenient, you can often find yourself in places you never would have thought to visit otherwise. So, if you're looking for a way to combine your love of travel with your favorite hobby, RVing might be the perfect option for you.

Staying On The Road:

Mentally compartmentalizing your RV can make your life so much easier and keep your head from exploding. Eric shares some real-life experiences from his retail store to help you understand what he means by compartmentalizing your RV. The short version is to mentally take each system in your RV and put it in a container and understand that each container/system will not connect to another in most cases. For Example, The 110-volt system is not connected to the 12-volt system for the most part. They are separate and understanding that will go a long way in understanding how your RV works and how to proceed with repair jobs. 

Bishop, CA is a beautiful town to visit in an RV. There are many activities to do and places to see. The food is great and there are RV parks available for camping. Bishop is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. There are many things to do in the area, including hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring the local shops and restaurants. The food is fantastic, with many different options available. There are also RV parks available for camping, which makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors. Bishop is a great place to visit for a relaxing vacation or an active getaway.

RV Thin Shade by Lippert provides excellent RV Door Window shade that can help you protect your RV and belongings inside from the harmful UV rays and sun glare. The RV Thin Shade is made of high-quality materials that are lightweight, yet durable and can withstand the elements. It is easy to install and comes with all the necessary hardware. The RV Thin Shade is a great way to add privacy and protection to your RV, while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors.

Uniquely designed blind embedded in frame

Compatible with Lippert RV entry doors only

Helps keep RV interior cool and adds privacy

Easy, DIY installation

Easily adjustable, horizontal blind

Includes: Tinted glass window, black exterior and interior window frame, horizontal blind and hardware

Window frame measures 24.72" x 15.72"

Window dimensions measure 23.72" x 14.72"

Thin Shade - More Information

Whersafe RV GPS Tracking Systems - Use Promo Code “SMARTRVER10” and SAVE 10%

RV Slide Out Awning Fabrics - Use Promo Code “TheSmartRver” and SAVE 10%

Mopeka LP Tank Wireless Level Gauge Use Promo Code “Mopeka10” and Save 10%

Micro Air Soft Start Use - Run an RV Roof Top AC with one 2000-watt Generator

In Episode 103 Eric Stark promotes the “Come to Montana in July” promotion. This is a great opportunity to come by the store in Victor and meet all of us and see what we do. And while you are in Montana you can explore the awesome places there are to visit in your RV.

If you have pondered living in your RV after retirement there is a lot to think about and if done right it can be an excellent choice for retirement. It can also turn into a disaster if not planned carefully. Eric gives some straight forward advice about living out your retirement in an RV. Eric explains that it might not be as easy as it may appear to be. He advises talking to others who have and what they did to make it work for their set of circumstances.

Staying On The Road:

Mentally compartmentalizing your RV can make your life so much easier and keep your head from exploding. Eric shares some real-life experiences from his retail store to help you understand what he means by compartmentalizing your RV. The short version is to mentally take each system in your RV and put it in a container and understand that each container/system will not connect to another in most cases. For Example, The 110-volt system is not connected to the 12-volt system for the most part. They are separate and understanding that will go a long way in understanding how your RV works and how to proceed with repair jobs. 

Eric shares his personal view about exploring areas that you already go to by going beyond your normal activities. We can tend to do the same thing and never look beyond what we already know and do. When Eric goes to an area to do an activity he spends some time exploring the area for other activities to do in the future. 

Eric briefly explains why you only need one 2000-watt generator to run an RV Air Conditioner with a Micro Air Soft Start. It is a game-changer.

Whersafe RV GPS Tracking Systems - Use Promo Code “SMARTRVER10” and SAVE 10%

RV Slide Out Awning Fabrics - Use Promo Code “TheSmartRver” and SAVE 10%

Mopeka LP Tank Wireless Level Gauge Use Promo Code “Mopeka10” and Save 10%

Micro Air Soft Start Use - Run an RV Roof Top AC with one 2000 watt Generator

In Episode 102 Eric Stark promotes the “Come to Montana in July” promotion. This is a great opportunity to come by the store in Victor and meet all of us and see what we do. And while you are in Montana you can explore the awesome places there are to visit in your RV.

This section dovetails off episode 101 about buying a new RV and not getting taken to the cleaners. Eric recommends having the RV inspected by a professional RV Inspector. The NRVTA trains RV Inspectors and can help you locate an RV Inspector to inspect any RV you are considering purchasing, new or used.

This program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to build, test, inspect, repair, service, and maintain recreational vehicles, systems, and interior and exterior components. Includes instruction in brake, hydraulic, and towing systems; electrical systems; propane systems and propane and electric appliances; carpentry; plumbing; welding; and structural frames. Upon completion, the Recreational Vehicle (RV) Inspector, the student will gain inspection skills in the areas of propane, electrical, plumbing, fire & life safety, weight knowledge, and other technical skills as outlined in the RV Service Training Council. The Recreational Vehicle (RV) Inspector provides a comprehensive focus on evaluating and reporting the operational status of the RV systems found in today’s RVs. Students might expect to find employment at inspection firms, the insurance industry, banking, extended service agreement companies, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), dealerships, repair shops, and/or via small business ownership.

NRVTA Official Website

Staying On The Road:

Eric points out the pitfalls of not being prepared and overreacting in an Emergency type of situation. It doesn’t matter how big or small the situation is, staying calm is the key to resolving it. Panicking can make the situation go from bad to worse. For example; a customer stopped by Eric’s RV Parts and Accessory store and brought in a furnace in one hand and all of the wires in the other hand and asked for them to be put back the way they belong. The customer heard a noise in the furnace and overreacted and pulled every wire off the furnace to get rid of the noise. He didn’t give it any thought, just started pulling wires, it went from bad to worse. 

The point is not to overreact and take some time to analyze the problem unless split-second decisions have to be made. Is it life or death? Most of the time it is just humans being humans and overreacting.

White Water River Rafter is the topic that Eric and Alexis discuss. River rafting is a great family experience and just builds the memories for the entire family to remember and look back on thinking about how awesome that RV trip was. Rving is about building memories.

More Information

You might not have the biggest or newest RV but keeping it in top shape will make most people envious. They watch you cruise through a camping trip problem-free. Your nice clean and well-maintained reflects how much you enjoy and care about it. 

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RV Slide Out Awning Fabrics - Use Promo Code “TheSmartRver” and SAVE 10%

Mopeka LP Tank Wireless Level Gauge Use Promo Code “Mopeka10” and Save 10%

The Dodo bird is extinct and the perfect RV is impossible to find. This is where Eric jumps in and helps his audience to appreciate the Perfect RV is possible to create with some hard work and patience.  The perfect RV is what you make of your RV or build from a good, solid foundation. The foundation is an RV that meets or exceeds your expectations and one that is worth investing time and money into to create the perfect RV. The perfect RV is the best way to enjoy the RV Lifestyle!

With some enthusiasm, Eric digs into the frustrations you might experience buying a New RV at a dealership. Eric is frustrated that too many people buying their first RV or an experienced RVer purchasing their next RV run to block walls of deception and extremely poor customer service ending up with a problem-ridden bad experience. He wants you, The Smart RVer to make a purchase you are proud of and know that you didn't get taken to the cleaners with a piece of junk RV.

This episode is a must to listen to before you buy your first or next RV. The RV dealership will hate you, but your family will love you for making a great purchase and knowing what you have got yourself into.

This si the 100th Episode of the Smart RVer Live on YouTube Thursday, May 26th @ 9am Mtn Time.

https://youtu.be/-sjbTfnqj3k

In Episode 99 Eric Stark promotes the 100th Episode that will be hosted live on Youtube. He also promotes the “Come to Montana in July” promotion. This is a great opportunity to come by the store in Victor and meet all of us and see what we do. And while you are in Montana you can explore the awesome places there are to visit in your RV.

Eric does some comparisons of the top 10 essential lists for RVing and shares his thoughts that each top ten list will depend on who the RVer is and what their needs and RVing habits are. He came to this conclusion because there are hundreds of top ten lists and no two are identical and only share a few similar items. Battle Born vs Expion 360 Conversion Continues?

Staying On The Road:

In this episode, Eric explains the problems of RV sidewall delamination and what the causes are. He then explains the various ways to take care of the problem whether you do it yourself or have it done by a professional.

Winnebago Journey Side Wall Delamination Project

The Next Stop:

Horse backing riding is the subject that Eric and Alexis discuss and share their thoughts about horseback riding for Rvers young and old. Alexis gives some good pointers on the how-to's and Eric throws his 2 cents into the ring.

If you are safety conscience this is the episode for you. Although you can use the link to learn more about Elide Fire Balls and how they are the new way to suppress an RV Fire. Safety should be a concern for every RVer and the Elide Fire Balls are an awesome way to install a simple, inexpensive, and effective fire suppression in every RV.

Whersafe RV GPS Tracking Systems - Use Promo Code “SMARTRVER10” and SAVE 10%

RV Slide Out Awning Fabrics - Use Promo Code “TheSmartRver” and SAVE 10%

Mopeka LP Tank Wireless Level Gauge Use Promo Code “Mopeka10” and Save 10%

In Episode 98 Eric Stark promotes the 100th Episode that will be hosted live on Youtube. He also promotes the “Come to Montana in July” promotion. This is a great opportunity to come by the store in Victor and meet all of us and see what we do. And while you are in Montana you can explore the awesome places there are to visit in your RV.

Eric asks the question is all of the new technology found in today's RVs Impressive or Unimpressive? With central command centers that look like an iPad and more electronics than ever before is it impressive? The RV industry doesn’t track like the automotive industry when it comes to getting electronics right the first time. It seems that it can be an expensive and time-consuming learning curve. Eric is passionate about technology but he expects it to work for years to come. Eric also hints at the new LifePo Battery that should take the RV Industry by storm. Battle Born? 

Staying On The Road:

Eric believes that RVers should carry spare parts for their RV but he also believes that there should be limits to what is carried. Some parts such as RV Appliance Circuit Boards could get destroyed if not stored properly before they ever get used. Circuit boards can get expensive and might exceed budgetary constraints.

He explains what you should carry and why and not to go overboard without shortchanging yourself.

The Next Stop:

Death Valley, California is on the Hot Spot for this episode of “The Next Stop”. Alexis joins Eric in the conversation. Alexis is The Smart RVer’s in-house RV Destination Guru.

If you want an accurate reading on the Level of Propane still in your RV Propane tanks Eric has the answer. It is the Mopeka LP Gauge Indicator. Mopeka offers wireless technology that besides having an inside monitor to visually see how the level of propane is doing. You can also add the Free App to your Smart Phone for added convenience. Now you can make sure you never let the LP Tanks Run Dry.

Whersafe RV GPS Tracking Systems - Use Promo Code “SMARTRVER10” and SAVE 10%

RV Slide Out Awning Fabrics - Use Promo Code “TheSmartRver” and SAVE 10%

Mopeka LP Tank Wireless Level Gauge Use Promo Code “Mopeka10” and Save 10%

 

In Episode 97 Eric Stark promotes the 100th Episode that will be hosted live on Youtube. He also promotes the “Come to Montana in July” promotion. This is a great opportunity to come by the store in Victor and meet all of us and see what we do. And while you are in Montana you can explore the awesome places there are to visit in your RV.

Eric explains the best practice if you need to replace certain parts on your RV such as appliance parts. He breaks down ways to help the DIY to get good service and the correct part on the first trip to the RV Parts Store. He mentions some of the many appliances and parts on an RV that require either Model Numbers or Pictures to be sure of getting the right part. Click Here for a Complete List.

Staying On The Road:

Eric explains in detail how trailers with drum brakes are technology from 1920 and how drum brakes haven’t changed in 100 years. He also notes how ineffective drum brakes are compared to Disc Brakes. If you have ever thought that your trailer just doesn’t have the stopping power you need, then this episode is for you.

Arches National Park is on the menu in this episode of “The Next Stop”. Alexis joins Eric in the conversation. Alexis is The Smart RVer’s in-house RV Destination Guru.

After going through his RV Eric realized how unappealing the dishes, silverware and so much other stuff were. He is now motivated to upgrade to RV-specific accessories made by companies such as Camp Casual or Camcos Life is better at the Campsite products. He also points out that there are so many RV-related items that can be purchased to make your RV more comfortable and attractive. With the right accessories, it will be the ENVY a the campground.

Trailer Performance Braking

Whersafe RV GPS Tracking Systems - Use Promo Code “SMARTRVER10” and SAVE 10%

RV Slide Out Awning Fabrics - Use Promo Code “The SmartRver” and SAVE 10%

RV Parts and Accessories - Smart RV Parts Center

In Episode 96 Eric Stark helps his audience to appreciate that while RVing there will be good days and bad days. Some days will be perfect and some days will be like any other day and some days will seem to last forever because they are so bad. The big picture of making memories and enjoying time spent with family is what is important, those are the moments that last a lifetime and make RVing worth the ups and downs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric also gets into his groove explaining the differences between wiring batteries in series or parallel and why you should know the difference. He also explains using 12-volt batteries and 6-volt batteries and what the big differences are.

This coming July is the month to spend time in Montana come by our store in the Bitterroot Valley and meet us. We certainly want to meet our listeners and give away some free stuff for those that are willing to make the trek to Victor, MT to visit us. Montana has a tremendous amount of sites and activities for every RVer. It is truly an RVers paradise.

If you are remotely thinking about going solar listen to this episode and see if Eric can motivate you to take the big step to solar. It is an awesome way to enjoy your RV even more